Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PSYC 385 E100

Evolution and Psychology (3)

Class Number: 7024

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2025
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Timothy Racine
    tracine@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 5245
    Office Hours: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Topics such as altruism, parental care, mate choice, sex differences in behaviour, aggression, dominance and territoriality are considered from an evolutionary perspective. The role of heredity and environment in the development of these behaviours is also discussed.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, we will examine the extent to which evolutionary theory can serve as a satisfactory explanation for human behaviour. Short answer: it can. Longer answer: you bet it can. Even longer answer: well, let's not be too hasty. To help us understand how and why, we will review and apply the main evolutionary theories in play in the behavioural sciences. In so doing, we will discuss a variety of topics from an evolutionary perspective, such as social life, the family, sex, mortality, religion, human nature, and the meaning of life.

Grading

  • Midterm I: 25%
  • Midterm 2: 25%
  • Tutorials: 15%
  • Final Exam: 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Brown, G. R., & Lala, K. N. (2025). Sense and nonsense: Evolutionary perspectives on human behaviour (3rd ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. [course textbook is available online through SFU library]

Three additional supplementary journal articles will be available through the course Canvas page.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.